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Inactivation of Pathogens via Visible-Light Photolysis of Riboflavin-5&#8242;-Phosphate
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Converting visible light into UVC: microbial inactivation by Pr(3+)-activated upconversion materials.

Ezra L Cates1, Min Cho, Jae-Hong Kim

  • 1School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , 200 Bobby Dodd Way, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0373, United States.

Environmental Science & Technology
|March 25, 2011
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Summary

New light-activated antimicrobial surfaces use lanthanide-doped upconversion luminescent Y(2)SiO(5) to convert visible light into germicidal UVC radiation, inhibiting microbial growth and inactivating bacteria.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Photocatalytic surfaces generate reactive species for disinfection.
  • Existing methods often require specific light sources or chemical agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop novel light-activated antimicrobial surfaces using upconversion luminescence.
  • To investigate the mechanism of microbial inactivation via optical conversion of visible light to UVC radiation.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of lanthanide-doped Y(2)SiO(5) upconversion phosphors.
  • Preparation of polycrystalline films on glass substrates.
  • Photoluminescence spectroscopy to confirm visible-to-ultraviolet conversion.
  • Testing microbial inactivation and biofilm inhibition under visible light.

Main Results:

  • Synthesized Pr(3+)-activated Y(2)SiO(5) phosphors demonstrated visible-to-UV conversion.
  • Surfaces emitted sufficient UVC radiation under normal fluorescent light.
  • Inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation.
  • Inactivated Bacillus subtilis spores on dry surfaces.

Conclusions:

  • Upconversion luminescence offers a purely optical mechanism for antimicrobial surface activity.
  • This technology shows potential for novel disinfection strategies for surfaces and water.
  • Demonstrates a new application of upconversion luminescence in deterring microbial contamination.